PM: NO DIGNITY IN HANDOUTS; E5M FOR NERCHA STAFF

LOBAMBA – Eswatini Government has allocated E5 million to ensure the continued payment of healthcare workers employed by the National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA).

NERCHA, a parastatal organisation operating under the Prime Minister’s Office, was established in 2001 through an Act of Parliament. Its mandate is to lead the coordination and facilitation of the multi-sectoral emergency response to HIV and AIDS within Eswatini. The organisation’s funding model relies on a combination of government contributions, the Global Fund and support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

However, recent executive orders issued by the US Government, under President Donald Trump, which suspended foreign aid, have created significant financial challenges for NERCHA. This has particularly affected employees and operational activities dependent on USAID funding.

Senators

During the parliamentary debate on the Prime Minister’s Office Annual Performance Report for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 and the 2025/26 budget, senators expressed deep concern regarding NERCHA’s sustainability in light of the funding shortfall. They also raised anxieties about potential job losses resulting from the cessation of US aid.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini addressed Senate, confirming the release of E5 million by government to cover healthcare workers’ salaries.
“The funds approved for NERCHA to pay healthcare workers have been released. E5 million has been allocated, therefore those healthcare workers employed under the auspices of government will not be affected,” he stated.

Furthermore, the PM acknowledged widespread concerns and expressions of dismay from parliamentarians, politicians and other influential figures regarding the US Government’s funding decisions. He cautioned that excessive lamentation could damage the country’s international reputation.
“While it is understandable to express concern about the suspended funding, it is imperative that the country explores sustainable self-funding models.

Parliamentarians and other individuals in key positions within the arms of government must ensure that the country maintains its dignity.
We cannot uphold our dignity if we are reliant on hand-outs and begging. It is crucial to exercise restraint in our public pronouncements on these matters. We acknowledge the positive relationship we have with the United States Government,” he said.

Mechanisms

Dlamini also acknowledged that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) would inevitably be affected by the reduced foreign aid. He stated that government would seek alternative mechanisms to transfer the essential work performed by these NGOs to the Ministry of Health. However, he stressed that government could not absorb the entirety of their operations.

The PM further informed the senators that this funding challenge represents the beginning of a trend, as foreign aid is expected to diminish further.
 He attributed this to the growing assertiveness of African nations in protecting their natural resources, such as in the mining sector. This, he argued, has resulted in a decline in the financial resources available to Western countries for aid programmes. He concluded that Western nations are increasingly prioritising investment over grant provision.

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